CULPEPER'S COMPLETE HERBAL

SOLANUM

Name. Called also dwale.

Description. This is the largest of all the nightshades, having many thick, long, spreading roots, that shoot forth many tall, angular stalks, to a man's height or more, beset with dull green leaves, in shape like common nightshade, but much larger. The flowers are set on among the leaves, growing singly on long footstalks, and are large, hollow, and bell-fashion, divided into six segments at the ends, of a dusky brown greenish colour on the outside, and purplish within; which are succeeded by large, round, shining black berries, as big as cherries, set on the brownish calyx, and containing a purplish juicy pulp of a nauseous sweet taste, full of small flat seeds.

Place. It grows not unfrequently in too many parts of England, but it s of American origin; in Cuckstone, near Rochester in Kent, all the yards and backsides are over-run with it.

Time. It flowers in July.

Government and virtues. The works of medical authors abound with instances of it deleterious effects, in the histories of those who have perished by it; and experience from time to time shows that they have told the truth. Children particularly should be carefully kept from approaching any of the plants where they are kept for curiosity, for it is a stately plant.

Gerard, who published his Herbal in 1597, says, "The solanum groweth plentifully in sundrie places of England, and especially in a fielde on the left hand of the highway, as you go from the place of execution, called Saint Thomas Waterings unto Dedford by London: it groweth also in the great fields by Islington, called the Mantels."

1640 - On the backeside of Grayes Inn, where Mr. Lambes Conduit heade standeth. - Parkins. Theat.

1667 - Plentifully in St. George's fields. - Merr. Pin. Johnson's Ger.